My Personal – Page 2

If you’re a fan of authentic Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum, then you need to visit Lai Ching Yuen at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. I recently dined there and was thrilled to discover their newly enhanced Dim Sum Buffet menus. Catering to both weekday indulgence and weekend revelry, these revamped menus embrace the essence of traditional Hong Kong culinary artistry and promise a gastronomic journey through delectable flavors and exquisite craftsmanship.

A Tribute to Hong Kong Dim Sum Culture
The moment I walked into Lai Ching Yuen, I was struck by the elegance of the place. The ambiance is a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. The extensive selection of Hong Kong-inspired delicacies, meticulously crafted by a team of seasoned chefs led by Executive Chinese Chef Thye Yoon Kong, immediately caught my attention. With over 30 years of experience in Cantonese cuisine, Chef Thye is a true master of his craft, and his specialty is Dim Sum.

Chef Thye Yoon Kong, Executive Chinese Chef at Lai Ching Yuen

A Feast for the Senses
The menus feature an array of Hong Kong-inspired Dim Sum creations, from savory classics to innovative reinterpretations of time-honored Cantonese cooking methods. The diverse selection includes appetisers, soups, steamed-to-order delights, fried selections, stir-fried mains, and desserts, each promising a feast for the soul.

Some of the highlights from my visit included Steamed Siew Mai with Fish Roe, Deep-fried Bean Curd Roll with Shrimp (鲜虾腐皮卷), Wok-fried ‘Bei Fong Tong’-style Chicken (避风塘鸡片) , Pan-fried Buns with Salted Fish (香煎咸鱼包) and Steamed Rice Rolls with Shrimp (鲜虾滑肠粉)

To top off the meal, I indulged in the Hot & Sweetened Cream of Red Bean with Tangerine Peel (陈皮红豆沙), a sweet and comforting dessert that provided the perfect ending to a sumptuous feast.

Exciting New Varieties and Specials
In addition to their all-time favorites, Lai Ching Yuen has introduced 20 new dim sum varieties that promise to delight the senses. The Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg Yolk (咸蛋脆鱼皮) was an addictive snack with a perfect symphony of crunch and rich flavors. For a heartier option, the Braised Rice with Seafood (海鲜泡饭) was a comforting and satisfying dish.

Weekends and public holidays bring even more excitement with exclusive specials crafted by Chef Kong. The Steamed Siew Mai with Mini Abalone (鲍鱼蒸烧卖) and the Baked Durian Puff (榴莲酥), available in limited quantities, are not to be missed.

Weekday Dim Sum Buffet Tuesday to Friday, 12noon to 3pm	RM88++ per adult; RM58++ per child (between 5 to 12 years old) and senior citizen
Weekend & Public Holiday Dim Sum Buffet Saturday to Sunday, and Public Holidays, 11am to 3pm	RM108++ per adult; RM78++ per child (between 5 to 12 years old) and senior citizen

Buffet Details

Lai Ching Yuen has truly redefined the dim sum experience. If you’re looking for a culinary journey that showcases the best of Hong Kong Dim Sum culture, I highly recommend visiting Lai Ching Yuen. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

📍Lai Ching Yuen
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
160 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*This is a non-halal restaurant

About Lai Ching Yuen
Lai Ching Yuen is an institution for authentic Cantonese cuisine, making it a go-to destination for those seeking for non-halal specialities in Kuala Lumpur. Guests have the unique opportunity to observe and engage with the chefs as they skillfully prepare dim sum dishes in the open kitchen.

Emphasising the use of the freshest ingredients, the menu is thoughtfully curated to achieve a harmonious balance of flavours, textures and expert cooking techniques. Beyond its renowned dim sum, Lai Ching Yuen presents a range of notable dishes including Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall, Barbecued Whole Suckling Pig, Baked Iberico Pork Ribs, Wok-fried Lobster ‘Bei Fong Tong’ style, Stewed Spare Ribs with Yam Casserole and Richman Fried Rice with Fresh Scallop, Prawns and Egg White.

Lai Ching Yuen goes beyond offering dining experiences by extending its services to intimate-scale weddings as well, accommodating up to 120 guests. Couples are presented with three meticulously crafted wedding menu options, each designed to cater to a table of 10 guests: Eternal Love at RM2,888++, Double Happiness at RM3,888++, and Together Forever at RM4,888++. Alongside these delectable menus, couples are also treated to a range of complimentary perks as part of their wedding package. These privileges include a one-night stay in the luxurious Bridal Suite, exquisite floral arrangements and featuring a flower backdrop photo wall. Additionally, couples can enjoy a complimentary food tasting session for up to 10 guests, and exclusive use of a private room for their tea ceremony. As a delightful touch, the package also includes a multi-tier wedding cake for the ceremonial cake-cutting moment, among other generous perks.

Photo credit: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/

About Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is located in the pulse of the premier shopping address of Bukit Bintang, adjacent to Pavilion Mall and walking proximity to Starhill Gallery and Lot 10. It is nestled in the iconic Golden Triangle with accessibility to business and entertainment districts. The hotel features 468 spacious guestrooms including 16 suites, all-day dining – The Mill Café; authentic Cantonese cuisine – Lai Ching Yuen; and Bistro 160. Hotel recreational facilities includes outdoor resort-style swimming pool, along with fitness centre and The Spa. The hotel also houses a total of 1,500 square metres event space, capable of accommodating any type of events from business meetings, to social celebrations and weddings. For more information, please visit www.grandmillenniumkl.com

Food & Drink, My Personal

Discover 5 Charming Restaurants and Cafes to Elevate Your Christmas Celebrations

December 18, 2023December 19, 2023 dixonthum

As we eagerly count down to Christmas and gear up for the festive season, consider these inviting restaurants and cafes for your annual gift exchange and heartwarming get-togethers with family and friends. Here’s a personal selection of charming dining spots that I have dined in before and would suggest that you should give it a try too, promising a touch of warmth, delightful ambiance, and a range of enticing choices to make your Christmas celebration truly special.

1. Take A Bow, Bangsar
Expect a diverse culinary journey with a blend of Western and fusion dishes, complemented by a range of refreshing beverages and coffee options.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Cooling elixir and liquored cakes
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic desserts
Website: https://www.instagram.com/takeabowpls

2. Lil’ Bird & The Big Bear, Taipan USJ, Subang Jaya
It’s a place to explore an extensive selection of Western dishes, including pastas, tacos, and pizzas. Additionally, indulge in a variety of beverages such as coffee, milkshakes, coffee and juices.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Argentinian Fish Tacos
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic drinks
Website: https://lilbirdbigbear.com/

3. Common Man Coffee Roasters, Desa Sri Hartamas
It offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu featuring options like toast, granola, pasta, salad, hummus, pizzas, and desserts. Renowned for their specialty in coffee.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Duck & Foie Gras Pie, Okinawa Black Sugar Tiramisu
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic drinks
Website: https://www.commonmancoffeeroasters.com.my/

4. Chizu, IOI Rio, Puchong
Indulge in a diverse range of cheese drinks, desserts, and pastries. Surprisingly, they also feature savory options such as drumstick rice, and their menu includes brewed coffee as well.
Price range: 💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Cheese drinks, croissants
Note: 100% Halal
Website: https://www.instagram.com/chizuofficials

5. Basil Food Foundry, Cheras
This cafe offers an assortment of Western and fusion dishes, along with an extensive array of pastries and desserts.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Foundry’s Yellow Sub, pastries and desserts
Note: Pork-free, serving alcoholic drinks
Website: https://www.instagram.com/basilsfoodfoundry

Lifestyle, My Personal

Threads: The New Social Media App That’s Taking Instagram by Storm

July 7, 2023July 17, 2023 dixonthum

Threads is a social media platform and networking service owned and operated by Meta Platforms, a company based in the United States. With similarities to Twitter, Threads allows users to interact with each other through responses, reposts, and likes while sharing text, photographs, and videos. To use Threads, users must have an Instagram account and use the same handle on both platforms. Since its launch, Threads has emerged as a strong competitor in the social media space, poised to rival Twitter. While the web version has fewer features, the app offers comprehensive functionality and is easily accessible on iOS and Android smartphones. In an impressive feat, Threads attracted 100 million users within its first five days, surpassing the previous record set by ChatGPT.

Pros of Threads:

Enhanced character limit: Threads allows users to post longer messages of up to 500 characters, enabling more detailed and expressive content.
Personalization and customization: Users can easily share their Threads posts on Instagram, expanding their reach. They can also create a separate list of Close Friends for sharing more personal and intimate content.
Discovery and exploration: Threads suggests posts from users and accounts that users have not yet followed, facilitating the discovery of new connections and a wider range of content.

Cons of Threads:

Limited features: As Threads is still in its early stages, it currently lacks certain features available on other social media platforms, such as sharing Reels or stories.
Limited community engagement: Establishing a culture and community similar to Twitter’s may be challenging for Threads, as Twitter has developed its unique environment over many years, encompassing freedom of expression, humor, memes, trends, and hashtags.
Potential addiction: The constant availability of new posts and notifications on Threads can make it addictive, potentially affecting users’ ability to manage their screen time effectively.
Lower popularity: While Threads is gaining popularity as a new social media app, it is not as widely used as established platforms like Twitter. Consequently, users may have fewer followers and friends compared to other social media sites.

Have you joined Threads yet? Explore the app’s intriguing features and potential! Follow me on Threads

My Personal, Travel

8 Reasons Why You Have to Visit Georgetown, Penang: A Captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia

June 4, 2023October 13, 2024 dixonthum

Georgetown, located on the northeastern coast of Penang Island in Malaysia, is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of cultural heritage, historical significance, and tantalizing cuisine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a fascinating past and a thriving present. It is the place where my wife grew up in and her family still lives there. Basically I travel quite often to Penang every now and then. Hence, I would really love to share with you about what I know about Penang. Let’s delve into the 8 reasons why you should travel Georgetown:

#1 Historical Significance
Established in 1786 by the British East India Company, Georgetown quickly grew into a bustling trading port. Its architecture reflects the blend of Eastern and Western influences, showcasing a captivating mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and British colonial styles. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping back in time.

#2 UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2008, Georgetown’s historic center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its outstanding preservation of multicultural heritage and historic buildings. This distinction highlights the city’s commitment to conserving its unique cultural identity and architectural gems.

#3 Street Art and Murals
Georgetown is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. The city has become an open-air gallery, with numerous captivating murals adorning its walls. The famous “Marking George Town” project by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic showcases interactive and thought-provoking artworks depicting local life and culture.

#4 Culinary Delights
Food enthusiasts flock to Georgetown to experience its delectable cuisine. The city is celebrated as a haven for food lovers, offering a diverse array of flavors influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities. From aromatic hawker stalls to charming cafes and upscale restaurants, Georgetown’s culinary scene is an adventure in itself. Food to look out for when you’re in Penang are char kuey teow, prawn mee, pasembur, nasi kandar, asam laksa, cendol, white curry noodle, rojak and many more!

#5 Festivals and Celebrations
Georgetown comes alive with vibrant festivities throughout the year. The city celebrates a range of cultural and religious festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Thaipusam. These celebrations showcase the harmonious coexistence of different ethnic communities and provide a captivating glimpse into their traditions and customs.

#6 Cultural Scene
Georgetown is a thriving hub of arts and culture in Malaysia. The city hosts numerous art exhibitions, music festivals, and cultural performances, attracting artists and enthusiasts from around the world. The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, located in Georgetown, offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich heritage and contemporary art scene.

#7 Shopping and Entertainment
Georgetown offers a diverse shopping experience, catering to every taste. From bustling markets and vibrant night bazaars to modern shopping malls, visitors can find everything from traditional crafts and antiques to fashionable clothing and local delicacies. After sunset, the city’s nightlife comes alive with trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues.

#8 Natural Attractions
Penang boasts natural attractions like Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang National Park, Tropical Spice Garden, Penang Hill, Botanical Gardens, and Monkey Beach. These diverse spots offer sandy shores, rainforests, gardens, hilltop views, and secluded beach retreats, providing visitors with a range of options to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Georgetown, Penang, is an enchanting city that seamlessly combines its rich history, multicultural heritage, and vibrant modernity. Its captivating UNESCO World Heritage status, tantalizing cuisine, and thriving arts scene make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Malaysia. Immerse yourself in Georgetown’s charm and discover the wonders that await around every corner. So it’s time to plan ahead your trip to Penang now and book your stay here!

Grooming, My Personal

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Facial Foam Range Unveils the Secret to Cleanse and Refresh with Naim Daniel

June 1, 2023June 14, 2023 dixonthum

KAO Men’s Biore Double Scrub Facial Foam range is better than ever at providing its users with a novel, refreshing sensation after each wash! Among the standout products in this line are Icy Menthol Infused Micro Power Scrubs and Black Tea Formulation, which is efficient in removing oil and pollutants.

With the use of the Advanced Japan Million-scrub Technology, the Micro Power Scrubs efficiently remove germs, oil, and debris that have built up deep inside pores, leaving behind clean, healthy skin.

In order to reflect Kao’s Kirei Lifestyle, which aims to live in a beautiful and clean environment, the Men’s Biore Double Scrub Facial Foam range has also been repackaged. And as a result, one can radiate confidence and take pleasure in the calm that nature has to give.

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Facial Foam offers 5 variations to pick from, including Deep Clean Extra Cool, Deep Clean, Bright Energy, Acne Solution, and Oil Clear, depending on your skin type or condition. The information for each version is as follow:

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Deep Clean Extra Cool
Targeting blackheads, this double scrub variation uses the Black Mineral to cleanse 1.5x times more thoroughly, leaving skin cleaner and more luminous. After each wash, feel unbelievably cool and revitalising. works perfectly given the current heat!

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Deep Clean
With Mineral Clay, this one provides 1.5x times more cleaning power. In a single step, it provides the consumer with both long-lasting oil control and deep cleansing. The deep-pore-cleansing oil-absorbing scrapes eliminate all pollutants, blackheads, and dull skin to reveal clear, glowing skin.

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Bright Energy
Make use of Vitamin B3 to achieve skin that is notably brighter and more uniform. 90% of consumers concur that skin looks more vibrant and brighter just a few washes later. It efficiently deep cleans and exfoliates the skin, revealing healthier, more radiant skin.

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Acne Solution
A fantastic remedy for acne-prone skin. Tea Tree Oil, a component in its formulation, works as an antibacterial agent to flush out bacteria, excess oil, and debris from pores. Additionally, it assists in fading acne scars for skin that appears cleaner and more youthful.

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Oil Clear
Black Tea and Icy Menthol are included in the formulation to provide long-lasting oil control and freshness. It removes excess oil from the skin effectively, leaving skin without shine. After every wash, it also emits a fresh and cooling sensation.

The New Face for Men’s Biore – Naim Daniel
Naim Daniel Baharin, a singer, songwriter, and actor, has been chosen as Kao Men’s Biore’s new brand ambassador. Naim is a perfect embodiment of the brand because of his high energy and passion for what he does. He serves as a fantastic representative for the brand thanks to his nice looks and clear skin.

The long-lasting oil control feature works well for him and the icy menthol sensation leaves him feeling fresh when out for extended periods of time, so he prefers to use the Men’s Biore Double Scrub Oil Clear.

Men’s Biore Double Scrub Facial Foam is priced at RM15.40 and is offered in all major retailers, pharmacies, hypermarkets, and provision stores.

For more information on Men’s Bioré products, visit www.kao.com/my/mensbiore/ or www.facebook.com/MensBioreMalaysia

About KAO Malaysia
Kao (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd was established in 1973 as an overseas subsidiary of Kao Corporation, the No. 1 toiletry manufacturer in Japan, with over 120 years of history.

In Malaysia, Kao brands have grown over the years in the Malaysian beauty care, home care and sanitary industries, marketing a wide range of products and brand such as Bioré, Liese, Attack, Magiclean, Laurier and Merries.

Kao Malaysia adopts the Kao worldwide mission, which is to strive for absolute satisfaction, enrichment of the lives of Malaysians through the Company’s core domains of cleanliness, beauty and health. Kao stands firm to its vision to be a company that is closest to its customers, earning the respect and trust of all stakeholders and contribute to the sustainable development of society.

Kao is also committed to enhancing their contribution to society through a renewed focus on ESG. Its ESG strategy is in its service to consumers’ needs, behaviors and desires to live sustainable lifestyles that contribute to a more sustainable world. Kao calls this the Kirei Lifestyle.

Kao is stepping up innovation at every level of their business to support consumers in living a beautiful life, inside and out.